Quality of symptom elicitation in an epidemiological survey on tuberculosis

The quality of symptom elicited by health workers in an epidemiological survey on tuberculosis was assessed by again subjecting a 10% random sample of the persons interviewed, by the supervisory staff, independently. Three thousand four hundred and forty nine persons were thus interviewed twice. The overall estimates for overdiagnosis and under-diagnosis in the elicitation of symptoms by health workers were to the extent of 16% and 8% respectively, with minimal yield of sputum positivity from the discordant groups of persons. The additional load of 16% for sputum examination can thus be considerably reduced if health workers are well trained in symptom-elicitationscreening of the population and their work is monitored through spot supervisory checks

Genetic diversity analysis of pearl millet (Pennisetum glauccum [L.] R. Br.) accessions using molecular markers

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis was applied to pearl millet genotypes in order to assess the degree of polymorphisms within and among genotypes and to investigate if this approachwas suitable for genetic studies of pearl millet. 20 genotypes were evaluated using 30 different 10-mer primers of arbitrary sequence. Most of the primers did not reveal any polymorphism; however 12primers revealed scorable polymorphism between genotypes of pearl millet and these can be further evaluated for use in genetic mapping. Pair-wise comparisons of unique and shared polymorphic amplification products were generated by Jaccard’s similarity co-efficient. These similarity co-efficientswere employed to construct a dendrogram showing phylogenetic relationships using unweighted paired group method with arithmetic averages (UPGMA). The UPGMA analysis indicated a higher similaritybetween genotype PT 2835/1 and PT 5552 and lowest similarity index was observed between PT 5554 and PT 2835/1. Analysis of RAPD data appears to be helpful in determining the genetic relationship among 20 pearl millet genotypes. The associations among the 20 genotypes were also examined with Principle components analysis (PCA) from Jaccard’s similarity co-efficient and it is more informative to analyze the extreme genotypes

Genetic variation and diversity for grain iron, zinc, protein and agronomic traits in advanced breeding lines of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] for biofortification breeding

Genetic improvements of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) content in pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] may reduce the problems of anemia and stunted growth among millet dependent staple food consumers. The availability of variation in diversebreeding lines is essential to improve grain micronutrients in high-yielding cultivars. This study aimed to determine the extent of variability, heritability and diversity for grain Fe, Zn and protein, along with key agronomic traits, in 281 advanced breeding lines bred at ICRISAT and evaluated across two seasons (environments). A pooled analysis of variance displayed significant variation for all these traits. Highest variability was recorded for Fe (35–116 mg kg-1), Zn (21–80 mg kg-1), and protein (6–18%), and a three-fold variation was observed for panicle length, panicle girth and 1000-grain-weight (TGW). Diversity analysis showed 10 clusters. Cluster-III had maximum lines (25%) and Cluster-V showed the highest mean values for Fe, Zn, protein and TGW. These results highlight the success of breeding program that aimed both the maintenance and creation of genetic variability and diversity. A significant positive correlation among Fe, Zn, protein and TGW indicated the potential for simultaneous improvement. Grain yield had a non-significant association with Fe and Zn, while protein showed a negative correlation. These results suggest that significant variability exists in elite-breeding lines, thus highlighting an opportunity to breed for biofortified varieties without compromising on the grain yield. The lines with high Fe, Zn and protein content can be used as hybrid parents and may also help in further genetic investigations

Identification of Fe and Zn Responsive Genes in Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) through Whole Genome Transcriptome Approach

Micronutrient malnutrition due to iron and zinc deficiencies is a serious public health problem in developing countries. In India alone, about 80% of the pregnant women and 74% of children suffer from iron and zinc deficiency. At present, knowledge of the genes controlling specific steps in the Fe and Zn pathways is still rudimentary hence studying genes of Fe and Zn density has become important. A whole genome RNA-Seq approach was carried out to understand the genes and pathways related to Fe and Zn accumulation in pearl millet. Seedlings of a high Fe and Zn grain density pearl millet inbred ICMB 1505 were exposed to four Fe and Zn stress treatments namely, –Fe –Zn, –Fe +Zn, +Fe –Zn and +Fe +Zn in hydroponics for 12 days (Figure 1). Seedlings were expressed interveinal chlorosis in the leaves due to the non-availability of Fe and Zn compared to control during the stress treatments. At that time, the leaf and root tissues in four treatments were harvested separately. Total RNA was extracted from the treated samples followed by cDNA synthesis. Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform was used to sequence the constructed cDNA libraries. Analysis of differentially expressed genes and pathways associated Fe and Zn is underway. Simultaneously, a set of 40 genotypes with variable Fe and Zn grain density were selected and tissue samples from different plant parts such as seed, flag leaf, root, stem sheath, panicles at anthesis and panicle at milky-stage were collected. RNA was extracted from the samples to validate the genes associated with Fe and Zn homeostasis. The information will be used for accelerated breeding programmes to improve the Fe and Zn density in pearl millet

Maternal inheritance for grain iron and zinc densities in pearl millet

Genetic variation and inheritance of micronutrients in pearl millet has largely been studied in recent years as part of biofortification initiatives. In this study, maternal (reciprocal) effect on inheritance of grain Fe and Zn was studied using a set of diverse breeding material. Entries were paired for low and high for Fe density to produce direct and reciprocal crosses. Over two-seasons, Fe density among parents varied 31-64 mg kg–1 and Zn density varied 28-43 mg kg–1. Difference between each direct and reciprocal crosses for Fe (1 to 4 mg kg–1) and Zn (0 to 2 mg kg–1) were negligible and non-significant, hence cytoplasmic or maternal genes are not likely to modify inheritance of these traits. These results indicate that high Fe/Zn inbred can be used either as female or male parent in hybrid-parent breeding program

Soil health to human and animal health through breeding biofortified cultivars and balanced nutrient management for nutrition revolution in India

India has larger prevalence of micronutrient malnutrition as 50% of children and women are suffering from one or more essential micronutrient deficiency. There is an urgent need for the country to address this issue of malnutrition holistically through addressing the issue of soil health to animal and human health. Widespread multi-nutrient deficiencies in soil are resulting in nutrient deficient food leads to malnutrition. Feeding the children with supplements to address the issue is good to fix the issue quickly. However, in long-term, to find a sustainable solution, we need to adopt holistic approach. Along with demonstrated soil health management, biofortification research at ICRISAT is focused on improving grain Fe and Zn density. Our approach is to provide a “proof of concept” to address the issue of malnutrition through soil health management and biofortification of staple food crops. To make impact, soil health mapping, balanced soil nutrient for increasing crop yields and quality are proposed. Government of India has taken up soil health mapping and issuing soil health cards to all the farmers. Further, integration of biofortified cultivars of crops like millets in the states and country strategy, would help to achieve future targets of biofortified cultivars to reach one billion people by 2030. Market is a key driver for long-term adoption of biofortified cultivars by farmers and consumers, and a recent initiative on Smart-foods on millets and pulses by ICRISAT is expected to enhance this uptake process in collaboration with food industries. Holistic approach starting with identifying the soil nutrient deficiencies, meeting the crop demands through balanced soil nutrient management and using biofortified cultivars, can have increased micronutrient uptake capacity as well as capacity to have nutrient dense grains and fodder by increased nutrientuse efficiency and would significantly contribute to improved nutrition by increasing the daily micronutrient intakes as evidenced by bioavailability studies in millets..

Light interception and radiation use efficiency (RUE) in maize (Zea mays. L) intercropping with greengram (Vigna radiata L.)

Intercropping is growing two or more crop species simultaneously, different canopy architectures by row configuration, changing light interception, radiation utilisation, and increased yield. The present study aimed to evaluate different intercropping systems affected light interception per cent and radiation use efficiency in maize (Zea mays L.) intercropping with greengram (Vigna radiata L.) different ratios. Field experiments were conducted for Kharif 2022 and Rabi 2022-2023 seasons, which were laid out in a split-plot design and replicated three times. Three Nitrogen levels viz., N1 - 75 % RDN (Recommended dose of Nitrogen), N2 – 100% RDN, N3-125% RDN had taken as the main plot and three intercropping treatments were taken as subplot viz., M2G2- replacement series (two row of maize and two row of Greengram), M4G2- replacement series (four rows of maize and two row of Greengram), M2G3-paired row system (two rows of maize and three rows of Greengram), and sole maize. Both light interception and radiation use efficiency were significantly affected by intercropping systems. Light interception per cent of the main crop (maize) was significantly higher (69.0, 75.5 and 71.0 % during Kharif and 60.1, 78.1 and 76.6 during rabi) at vegetative, flowering and maturity phases, respectively. The Kharif 2022 and Rabi 2022-2023 maximum Radiation Use Efficiency (RUE) of Maize intercropping with green gram (maize + greengram) was higher in T12 (M2G3 paired row with 125 % Recommended Dose of Nitrogen) recorded as 2.46 (Kharif) and 1.43 (rabi). The outcome might be utilised to optimise the row configuration of intercropping design, explain the mechanism of intercropping on light utilisation, and improve radiation use efficiency

Screening for anti-fungal proteins in pearl millet inbreds active against Pyricularia grisea

Pearl millet is a commonly grown nutri-cereals in the semi-arid regions of India and Africa. Productivity of this crop is challenged by many biotic stress and blast (Pyricularia grisea) has emerged as a new threat. Recurrent chemical protection is expensive and not sustainable approach for farmers. Therefore, identification and utilization of host plant resistance is very appropriate. Present study screened 20 inbreds crude proteins for anti-fungal activity against blast isolates collected from Patancheru (Pg45), Jaipur (Pg138) and Aurangabad (Pg186) using oatmeal agar plates (qualitative) and microspectrophotometric assays (quantitative). There was significant reduction in growth rate of fungal colony of highly virulent isolate Pg 138 (9-57%; P<0.01)on oatmeal agar plates at fixed time intervals against Pg138, while no significant differences were observed for Pg 45 and Pg 186.Further, inhibition of fungal spore germination and initial growth (48h) of these isolates was monitored quantitatively (595nm) in the presence of each crude protein extract for 48h. As a result, high reduction in fungal growth was observed for Pg138 (64-87%) followed by Pg186 (21-61%) and Pg45 (2- 31%). Total protein in the tested lines varied 10-15%. Results showed that these protein extracts were effective (9-50%) against cysteine protease, papain commercially sourced from papaya that indicates millet protein extracts contain cysteine protease inhibitors and not a trypsin inhibitor. The result suggest that these PI may be used as potential alternative to anti-fungal agents, and merits further studies contributing to resistance breeding

Correlation Studies for Grain Yield Components and Nutritional Quality Traits in Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) Germplasm

Before selecting genotypes for nutritional quality characters (protein, oil and micronutrients content) and anti-nutritional factor (phytic acid), it is important to know how much selection is likely to affect yield. Using a diverse range of genotypes, relationships between quality traits with yield and yield attributes in pearl millet were investigated. The number of productive tillers, panicle length, panicle girth, days to maturity, 100-grain weight were most important traits for maximizing grain yield owing to their high significant positive association with grain yield. Phytate phosphorus and total phosphorus were significantly positive correlated and it is therefore inferred that simple selection against phytate phosphorus is unlikely to lower phosphorus concentration in pearl millet. No correlation between grain yield and protein content. These suggested that, there is possibility of selection for increased protein content without detrimental effect on grain yield